Barrymore death investigation to be probed

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The Independent Police Complaints Commission has announced it will examine the police inquiry into the death of Stuart Lubbock, six years after his death at the home of entertainer Michael Barrymore.

Lubbock was found dead in March 2002, and the new inquiry will examine the information Essex Police gave to the coroner about his death.

During the inquest that followed, an open verdict was reached and to date no-one has been charged in connection with Mr Lubbock’s death.

The former Strike It Lucky presenter insists it was a tragic accident where Lubbock drowned in his pool.

The man’s father, Terry Lubbock, believes his son was never in the water and says it has all been a cover up.

Mr Lubbock’s suspicious death ruined the career of Barrymore, who came out as a gay man in 1995.

A commissioner for the IPCC wrote to Lubbock family solicitor Tony Bennett:

“The investigation into the complaint will be carried out by a police force under our full direction and control.”

Last December, Essex police said they were re-opening the investigation.

In 2006 a former solicitor attempted to initiate a private prosecution against Mr Barrymore alleging drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault but the attempt was blocked.

The district judge said that there was a lack of evidence to proceed.

Mr Lubbock’s father Terry said: “There were at least eight people present on the night he died and somebody knows why he died and what happened to him.

“All I want to know is the truth about what happened to my son and why he died and I would urge someone to have the courage to come forward and tell the truth.”

In a statement, Mr Barrymore, a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother, said: “I welcome the news that the case is to be reviewed. I have always maintained that I would do all I can to help both the police and the Lubbock family.”

The IPCC was established in 2004 to investigate complaints against the police.

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